MCPS Student Named Finalist in Scientist Challenge

Katherine Wu, a rising freshman at Montgomery Blair High School, has been named one of 10 finalists in the 2014 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. She will now compete for the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” and a $25,000 prize on October 13-14, at 3M headquarters in Minnesota.

A partnership between Discovery Education and 3M, the Young Scientist Challenge encourages the exploration of science and innovation and promotes the importance of science communication. The contest invited students in grades 5–8 to create a short video describing a new, innovative solution that could solve an everyday problem.

The 10 finalists were chosen based on their science acumen, inventive thinking, and exceptional communication skills as demonstrated in their entry videos.

Katherine’s invention uses brainwaves and eye blinks to proactively prevent drowsy driving. See her video entry on the competition website.

As a finalist, Katherine—who entered the competition while a student at Takoma Park Middle School—had an exclusive opportunity to work directly with a 3M Scientist on her invention during a summer mentorship program. She also received a cash prize of $1,000, a Kindle Fire HDX bundle, and a trip for two to 3M’s world headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. for the finals. She is the only finalist from the state of Maryland.

More information about the competition can be found online at www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

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